Partnership to Improve Patient Care

Several prominent figures have discussed patient-centered outcomes research over the past couple of weeks, including Richard Gliklich, M.D., President and CEO of Outcome, who recently posted an article on KevinMD.

Gliklich offered insight regarding the definition of comparative effectiveness research (CER) and the future of the CER process, saying “if the different definitions spark confusion, we offer this piece of advice. The best way to think about CER is the audience it serves. While classic research questions arise from intellectual curiosity of scientists, CER informs decisions made by a diverse group of stakeholders across the industry – especially regulators, payers, patients and providers.”

Gliklich’s comment highlights how important it is for PCORI to define a research program that is focused on the patient and their providers and caregivers as the primary audience. PIPC is finalizing comments to PCORI on its draft definition of “patient-centered outcomes research” that underscore this point.

At the most recent PCORI Board meeting in Washington, D.C., Kathleen Teixeira of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) spoke on behalf of PIPC when she suggested changes that could be made to PCOR’s definition that would benefit all those involved in the CER process. First, explained Teixera, “physicians and care providers must play a vital role in advancing patient-centered outcomes research”, and second, “PCORI’s definition of patient-centered outcomes research should focus more explicitly on patients and their caregivers.” I hope you join us in helping PCORI set a research agenda that is truly patient-centered.